We're quite accustomed to iPhone stands and docks in all shapes and sizes, but CalypsoCrystal's new CalypsoPad ($39) is rather different from products we've seen on the market before. Sure, it's a desktop holder and cable manager for the iPhone 4 and 4S. But instead of plastic, rubber, or metal, the pad is just that -- a simple flat piece of leather with a footprint not much larger than the iPhone itself. While the list of features isn't extensive, the style and material quality are certainly there. We checked out the red-on-black unit, but there's also a beige model with matching stitching.

CalypsoPad is a rounded Italian leather rectangle measuring about 6” long, 3” wide, and just 1/8” thick. The material really is nice, as is the contrasting stitching around the edges. Towards the top there’s a slight indentation in the shape of an iPhone with a 7/8” perimeter on three sides. The depression is just deep enough to hold a bare 4 or 4S in place and can keep it there even with a fair amount of jostling. Directly beneath that s a small strap of leather sewn down on one end and held in place with a magnet at the other, designed to hold a Dock Connector. It’s very simple cable management, but cable management nonetheless. On the underside of the pad is a soft, suede-like material that adds just a bit of grip, although it doesn’t substantially prevent the pad from moving around.

And, well, that’s it. Obviously CalpysoPad is limited in what it can do, but that’s not to say it’s useless. For iPhone users who prefer to go caseless, having a soft surface to rest the device on isn’t a bad idea. The great materials, clean looks, and smart cord holder are all nice touches that elevate it from just a simple piece of material to a legitimate accessory. We think the price is a bit high, but not totally crazy, especially in the Apple ecosystem. It’s certainly a better deal—and product—than the CalypsoCrystal’s CalypsoCase. In the end, CalypsoPad commands a general recommendation.

Editors' Note: iLounge only reviews products in "final" form, but many companies now change their offerings - sometimes several times - after our reviews have been published.
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